Kiss frontman to rock restaurant scene

Gene Simmons of US band Kiss is bringing his trademark hard rock energy to the restaurant world with the launch of a venture in Los Angeles next month.

Rock & Brews aims to recreate the atmosphere of a live gig, from its concert lighting, rock posters, flat screen TVs playing music videos and a menu categorised by headings including “Opening Acts”, “Headliner”, “Front Row” and “Encores”.

Due to open on 3 April in El Segundo on Santa Monica Bay, the Rock & Brews is the result of a collaboration between Simmons – known as The Demon, concert promoter Dave Furano and restaurateur Michael Zislis.

According to the LA Times, the trio already has a number of other venues in the pipeline, with further plans to franchise their rock concert restaurant concept.

Tickets to the opening event are available for $100, giving guests access to a red carpet arrival, VIP backstage pass and the chance to sample the restaurant’s selection of “hundreds” of craft beers. All proceeds from the launch will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Since it was founded in the 1970s, Kiss has sold over 100 million albums worldwide. No stranger to controversy, Simmons caused the band to be dropped from the Michael Jackson tribute concert last year after he made negative comments about the singer’s personal life.

In recent times the band’s bassist and singer has also made headlines for his criticism of the US government’s policy on Israel, healthcare reform and his vocal support for the 2003 invasion of Iraq.